Fiji sink Welsh hearts in classic encounter

Wales were left stunned after Fiji knocked them out of the group stages with a last gasp Graham Dewes try in the most dramatic match of the tournament so far.

Fiji had stormed into a 25-3 lead with three tries in the space of 12 first-half minutes, from Gloucester's Akapusi Qera, winger Vilimoni Delasau and lock Kele Leawere.

After Alix Popham touched down for a pushover try shortly before the interval, Wales produced a spirited comeback to edge ahead with further scores from Shane Williams, Gareth Thomas and Mark Jones.

Wales began to ring the changes. Peel was replaced at scrum-half by Mike Phillips and Wales competed for the last 15 minutes with a whole new front row.

Fiji seemed out on their feet but still they tested Wales. Bai scooped up a long pass, beat Duncan Jones and stretched to ground the ball as Thomas tried to tackle him into touch.

This time the replays worked against Fiji and as they continued to press Martyn Williams picked off a pass from Little and raced 55 metres clear to score.

It was a try which, eight minutes from time, should have sealed the win - but Fiji refused to give up. Delasau cut inside when the overlap was begging and the chance appeared to be gone - but they kept the pressure on and Dewes drove over for the winning score. It was a try which sent Fiji to Marseille and Wales home.

Wales captain Gareth Thomas said he feared a backlash against his side when he got home.

"Our defence wasn't up to standard. We turned over the ball in the wrong areas," said Thomas. "Unfortunately, we're going home but we're going home proud Welshmen. We tried our best but we'll probably get beaten down for this."

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